2017 Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay
Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
Tasting Notes
“Medium yellow hue. Dense aromas of ripe pear, fig, banana, hazelnut, walnut, and white peach. These same characteristics persist in the palate on top of a dense, unctuous profile. Modest acidity and a layered mouthfeel lead to a hedonistic experience. The smooth, intricate, and lingering finish gives way to a lively Chardonnay experience. Enjoy now through 2024.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
November 2018
“Bright yellow-gold. Ripe tropical and orchard fruits on the deeply perfumed nose, along with hints of buttered toast and honey. In an ample, generous style, offering fresh pineapple, pear nectar and melon flavors and smoky touch of oak spice. Finishes broad and smooth, with lingering sweet butter and vanilla qualities.”
Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
November 2019
Production Data
Growers: Jim Landes and Fred Faltersack
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
Vinification: Pressed Whole-cluster, fermented in French Oak
Cooperage & Ageing: 11 months in 100% French Oak, 25% new
Production: 8 Barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 5.05 g/L – 3.78 pH
Alcohol: 14.1%
Harvest: September 25, 2017
Club Release: February 6, 2019
Drink Now through 2024
Past Vintage Wine Scores
“Ripe honeydew melon, tangerine, vanilla and a hint of oyster shell on the intensely perfumed nose, with a subtle hint of leesiness emerging slowly. Juicy and seamless on the palate, offering Meyer lemon, honeydew and toasted brioche flavors that are accented by a smoky mineral nuance. Shows very good delineation on the persistent finish, which leaves vibrant mineral and floral notes behind.”
Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
Santa Cruz Mountains
Testarossa has been making a red blend from the Santa Cruz Mountains since 2008. It comes from the mountainous Santa Cruz Mountains appellation that has been home to our winery since 1888. It consists of fruit from the Black Ridge Vineyard on the inland slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains just across the highway from the Lexington Reservoir. Cool night and warn sunny days allow for long, slow, full ripening of the fruit.